The statements released by the Air Force and FAA include no indications that the pattern was full or that a "negative" to the pilots' request was in order. But that doesn't mean no rules were broken in this particular engagement.

"As we look into the circumstances of this incident we are working with the FAA to ensure both civil and military aviation instructions were complied with," Kunkel said.

Some Air Force pilots do flyovers at NFL games, but the Charlotte team had no knowledge of any practice flyovers, Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said.

While much of the social media reaction saw the flyover as a circus-stunt, the team didn't appear to label the pilots as jesters.

"I like the fact that they waved at us as they went over," Rivera said.

The pilots from the Georgia base were "conducting routine navigation training from Charlotte to Moody" and were not participating in the Air Force's partnership with the NFL to provide flyovers, Kunkel's statement said.

The planes had taken off from Charlotte Douglas International Airport moments before flying over the stadium, Air Force officials said. They are part of the 74th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, which is near Valdosta, Georgia.

The aircraft are used to support troops on the ground, and are sometimes known by their nickname "Warthogs," according to descriptions from Moody.

Their maneuverability and capability for short takeoffs and landings help them operate near front lines in battle. The planes can carry a variety of bombs, missiles, rockets and guns to defeat a wide variety of targets on the ground, including tanks, officials said.